ARRL Letter

***************
The ARRL Letter
Vol. 20, No. 20
May 18, 2001
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IN THIS EDITION:
* +ARRL Executive Committee ponders 5 MHz band petition
* +ARRL, REACT ink cooperative agreement
* +LEILA sounds her siren call
* +League files ultra-wideband reply comments
* +ARRL out in force at Dayton Hamvention
* IN BRIEF:
This weekend on the radio
+ARRL welcomes K2QAI to the lab staff
Emergency Communications Course Registration is still open
+EIMAC co-founder Jack A. McCullough, ex-W6CHE, SK
Cap and badge man Dale Marquis, WA4EZU, SK
Electric bike-mobile nets DX for New Jersey ham
Field Day satellite update
"Wireless Giant of the Pacific" on the air again
+Available on ARRL Audio News
===========================================================
NOTE: To accommodate Dayton Hamvention travel schedules, The ARRL Letter and
ARRL Audio News for Friday, May 18, are being distributed Wednesday, May 16.
The Solar Update will be available Friday on the ARRL Web site and via W1AW.
See you in Dayton!--Rick Lindquist
===========================================================
==>ARRL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REVIEWS PRELIMINARY 5 MHz BAND PETITION
The ARRL Executive Committee has reviewed a preliminary draft Petition for
Rule Making seeking a new US ham band in the vicinity of 5 MHz. Experimental
operation at 5 MHz under a license issued to the ARRL has been going on
since 1999. Participants in the ARRL WA2XSY experimental operation have
established that an allocation at 5 MHz could improve emergency
communication capabilities by filling the gap between 80 and 40 meters.
On a motion from Southwestern Division Director Fried Heyn, WA6WZO, the EC
agreed that the petition should seek a domestic secondary amateur allocation
around 5 MHz with a bandwidth of 150 kHz. Executive Committee members will
review the completed draft petition before it's filed with the FCC, possibly
before the next ARRL Board meeting in July.
An amateur allocation in the vicinity of 5 MHz long has been an objective of
the International Amateur Radio Union. The IARU's Administrative Council has
approved a goal of "a narrow allocation, even on a shared basis in the
vicinity of 5 MHz." Winning an allocation at 5 MHz--even on a domestic
basis--could take several years. Securing an international allocation will
be more difficult and take even longer. Consideration of an allocation at 5
MHz is not on the agenda for WRC-03 nor on the preliminary agenda for
WRC-05/06.
A review of FCC-related issues dominated the May 5 Executive Committee
session in Dallas. In other matters, the Executive Committee was told that
an FCC Notice of Proposed Rule Making still is expected soon in response to
the ARRL's petition, RM-9404, seeking Amateur Radio access to the
low-frequency spectrum. Filed in late 1998, the ARRL petition asks the FCC
to establish LF allocations in the vicinity of 136 kHz and between 160 and
190 kHz.
ARRL General Counsel Chris Imlay, W3KD, also told the Committee that the
ARRL's Application for Review that seeks to clarify the FCC's PRB-1 limited
preemption policy with respect to amateur antennas is pending before the
full Commission. The ARRL wants the full Commission to review--and
reverse--an FCC staff decision declining to extend PRB-1 coverage to include
CC&Rs--covenants, conditions and restrictions. The EC agreed to request an
en banc presentation to the full FCC this fall, after new Commission
appointees have been seated.
The Committee also was told that favorable FCC action is anticipated on a
petition seeking to upgrade Amateur Radio's status from secondary to primary
at 2400 to 2402 MHz. The ARRL recently renewed a longstanding request that
the FCC elevate Amateur Radio from secondary to primary at 2300 to 2305 MHz.
The minutes of the ARRL Executive Committee meeting in Dallas are available
on the ARRL Web site, http://www.arrl.org/announce/ec_minutes_466.html.
==>ARRL AND REACT TO SIGN MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
Representatives of the ARRL and REACT met in Dallas, Texas, May 16 to sign a
memorandum of understanding between the two organizations. The agreement is
intended to promote joint coordination of the resources between ARRL and
REACT and to facilitate the flow of information to and from the public
during emergencies.
ARRL president Jim Haynie, W5JBP, and REACT International president Chuck
Thompson, N5IAG, signed on behalf of their respective organizations.
"This memorandum of understanding is part of our efforts to establish a
common front in dealing with emergencies and disaster communication and with
other issues facing the radio hobby, including such things as antenna
ordinances," Haynie said. Thompson said the memorandum will strengthen the
organizations' "common goal of providing assistance to the public."
While REACT has been associated primarily with Citizens Band in the past,
the organization has widened its focus to embrace amateur and other
services. ARRL and REACT share common goals in terms of emergency
communication. The primary mission of REACT is "to provide public safety
communications to individuals, organizations, and government agencies to
save lives, prevent injuries, and give assistance wherever and whenever
needed."
The memorandum of understanding calls on the two organizations to "cooperate
and utilize their resources from time to time to optimum mutual benefit to
both parties." Among specific principles, the agreement will involve
cooperation during emergencies and disaster relief and the elimination of
"duplicative or technically inferior service" during such responses. "The
parties will generally encourage ongoing liaison with each other and urge
members of both organizations to develop increasingly effective
communications and cooperation," the agreement states.
Thompson and Haynie are long-time friends, and Haynie is a member of REACT
in the Dallas area. Haynie was the instructor for Thompson's Novice Amateur
Radio license class. He says Thompson recruited him to REACT membership.
A copy of the REACT-ARRL Memorandum of Understanding is available on the
ARRL Web site at http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/mou/react.html.
==>AO-40'S LEILA SOUNDS HER SIREN CALL
If you're planning to use the AO-40 satellite, watch out for LEILA! The
satellite's ground controllers have turned on the LEILA system, which not
too subtly discourages operators from putting too strong a signal into the
satellite's uplink receiver.
AMSAT-DL President Peter Guelzow, DB2OS, says LEILA was turned on for the
first time May 12 after some very strong signals--louder than the middle
beacon--showed up in the satellite's passband.
"Several people tried to get them to reduce power, but they apparently
weren't listening," he said in a posting on the AMSAT-DL site. The situation
soon led to "massive grumbling" on the passband, he said.
LEILA soon was set up on the UHF uplink and "it worked like a charm!"
Guelzow concluded. If a too-strong station fails to lower power, LEILA
notches out the offender's uplink and sends the siren signal to the downlink
for about five seconds.
Bruce Paige, KK5DO, who's AMSAT's new awards manager, was on hand for
LEILA's debut. He says LEILA can notch out five signals at a time. "So if
there are a lot of offenders, you might have to wait to get stomped by
LEILA," he said.
Guelzow said if all goes well, ground controllers probably will leave LEILA
switched on continuously.
The success of LEILA was dimmed by the apparent failure of ground
controllers to get the AO-40 X band (10 GHz) system to operate. Ground
controllers haven't given up yet, however. Guelzow said Stacey Mills, W4SM,
and Michael Fletcher, OH2AUE, tested the X-band transmitters, both solid
state and traveling wave tube (TWT) over the weekend. "Unfortunately, the
test was not successful," Guelzow said. Telemetry indicated the proper
commands, but apparently no power was reaching any of the X-band modules.
Another test will be run soon.
AO-40 ground controllers opened up the next-generation satellite's
transponders May 5 for general amateur use on an experimental basis. Uplink
frequencies (without taking Doppler into account) are 435.495-435.780 MHz
and 1269.211-1269.496 MHz, and the downlink passband is 2401.210-2401.495
MHz. The transponders are inverting, so a downward change in uplink
frequency will result in an upward frequency shift in the downlink.--thanks
to AMSAT News Service and AMSAT-DL
==>ARRL ULTRA-WIDEBAND REPLY COMMENTS TARGET INTERFERENCE POTENTIAL
The ARRL says it's not reasonable to assume that the FCC's Part 15 rules can
be applied to ultra-wideband (UWB) devices due to their unique transmission
characteristics. The League drew that conclusion in responding to comments
filed by others in reaction to five reports that address UWB's interference
potential.
The FCC has proposed to deploy UWB devices on an unlicensed basis under its
Part 15 rules. Last month, it requested comments on five reports. The ARRL
commented on the reports April 25 and submitted its reply comments May 10.
The ARRL said tests conducted to date "reveal a significant potential for
harmful interference to at least some licensed services, including GPS and
the Amateur Service." In addition, the ARRL said, additional "more specific
and targeted tests" must be conducted before the FCC can adopt appropriate
rules for UWB devices.
The League called again on the FCC to take no action in the UWB proceeding,
ET Docket 98-153, until it establishes specific rules, definitions and
classes of UWB devices in a further Notice of Proposed Rule Making.
Remarking on comments filed by UWB proponent Time Domain Corporation, the
ARRL said it would be reasonable to conclude that if UWB devices bother GPS
receivers, "there is at least the same degree of interference potential to
amateur receivers."
The ARRL also commented on remarks filed by XtremeSpectrum Inc, which
proposed a spectrum mask to offer 18 dB of protection below Section 15.209
levels. The ARRL said specifying a spectrum mask for UWB is "an absolute
necessity," and it called XtremeSpectrum's proposals "a step in the right
direction."
In past comments in the UWB proceeding, the League has agreed that UWB has
potentially beneficial applications, but it says these should only be
accommodated under the FCC's Part 15 rules "subject to appropriate
interference avoidance regulations."
ARRL's comments in the UWB proceeding are available at
http://www.arrl.org/announce/regulatory/et98-153/index.html.
==>ARRL AT DAYTON: FORUMS, DEMONSTRATIONS AND DXCC CARD CHECKING
ARRL will offer two forums, a demonstration of its popular TravelPlus
repeater-locating software--and DXCC card checking this year at Dayton
Hamvention. In addition, a wide array of ARRL memberships, publications and
products will be on sale, and there will be a table of freebies too. The
50th Dayton Hamvention takes place Friday through Sunday, May 18-20 in
Dayton's Hara Arena.
Hamvention offers an opportunity to get acquainted with ARRL President Jim
Haynie, W5JBP, and other volunteers and notables in the ARRL family. At the
ARRL Forum, Saturday, 8:30-9:45 AM, Room 3, President Haynie will share the
podium with ARRL Executive Vice President David Sumner, K1ZZ, Great Lakes
Division Director George Race, WB8BGY, and others.
"I look forward to telling people how things are going at the ARRL and that
League membership is on the rise," Haynie said. "We always enjoy Dayton
Hamvention!"
During the ARRL Forum, members are encouraged to share their ideas and
concerns. The forum also provides a chance to hear about League's latest
activities on behalf of its members.
The ARRL Public Relations Forum is set for Sunday, 11 AM-noon, in Room 1. A
panel of public relations volunteers will share their success stories on
getting positive publicity for Amateur Radio in their areas. The moderator
will be ARRL Public Relations Committee Chair Diane Ortiz, K2DO. Ortiz and
ARRL Public Relations Manager Jennifer Hagy, N1TDY, organized this year's
forum.
All visitors to the ARRL booth in North Hall of the indoor exhibits area can
pick up a free Dayton Hamvention 50th show commemorative button. The ARRL
booth will feature product demonstrations, DXCC card checking and, of
course, sale of ARRL publications and products.
A variety of free ARRL materials--from operating aids to award applications
and other forms--also will be available across the aisle from the retail
sales area. Headquarters staff members will be on hand to answer questions,
too.
The ARRL booth is also the place to catch up with ARRL Headquarters staff
members who are attending this year's show as well as the various field
organization volunteers who turn out to lend a hand. President Haynie and
others plan to be available to chat as schedules permit.
ARRL headquarters staff and volunteers will participate in various
Hamvention forums and programs. Here's a sampling:
* ARRL President Haynie share his vision of "The ARRL from 2001-2026" during
the Ham Radio Town Meeting, Saturday, 2-4 PM, in Room 3, sponsored by
Amateur Radio Newsline.
* ARRL technical editor and antenna guru Dean Straw, N6BV, will explain
"What's New in the Latest Edition of The ARRL Antenna Book" during the
Antenna Technology Forum, Friday, 2:15-5 PM, in Room 1.
* ARRL Certification and Continuing Education Program Coordinator Dan
Miller, K3UFG, will take part in the ARES Forum, Friday, 2-2:45 PM, in Room
4.
* QST Editor Steve Ford, WB8IMY, will moderate a PSK31 forum, Saturday,
2:15-3:45 PM, in Room 1. Ford also will sit on a panel at the RTTY Forum
Saturday, 11:45 AM-12:45 PM in Room 3. ARRL Hudson Division Director Frank
Fallon, N2FF, will moderate the RTTY Forum for the second year.
* ARRL Lab Supervisor Ed Hare, W1RFI, will recount "The Incredible Saga of
the Tuna Tin 2," Friday, 10-11:30 AM, in Room 2 and describe an "RF Exposure
Model" during the RF Safety Forum, Saturday, 12:45-1:45 PM, in Room 4. (Hare
also will visit the off-site "Four Days in May" QRP gathering.)
* ARRL Field and Regulatory Correspondent Brennan Price, N4QX, will visit
the National Frequency Coordinators' Council forum, Friday, May 18, 1-1:45
PM, in Room 4. Moderating that event will be Dick Isely, W9GIG, who also is
ARRL Central Division Director
See you in Dayton!
__________________________________
==>IN BRIEF:
* This weekend on the radio: The Manchester Mineira CW Contest and the
Baltic Contest are the weekend of May 19-20. JUST AHEAD: The CQ WW WPX
Contest (CW) is the weekend of May 26-27. See the ARRL Contest Branch page,
http://www.arrl.org/contests/ and
http://www.hornucopia.com/contestcal/weeklycont.html for more info.
* ARRL welcomes K2QAI to the lab staff: John Phillips, K2QAI, of Winsted,
Connecticut, has joined the ARRL Laboratory staff as a radio frequency
interference/electromagnetic interference engineer. An ARRL member and a
native of Brooklyn, New York, Phillips graduated from Hofstra University
with a degree in electrical engineering. He has worked in a number of
RFI/EMI related positions, mainly in the military electronics field, prior
to starting his own computer software and consulting business. Phillips
holds an Extra class license and spends most of his ham radio time working
CW--40 meters being his favorite band. Phillips' primary work will be
assisting members with solutions to RFI problems and improving ARRL's
RFI/EMI information capabilities. Contact John Phillips at k2qai@arrl.org.
* Emergency Communications Course Registration is still open: May
registration for the Level I Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Course
EC-001 opened at 4 PM EDT Monday, May 14. Each on-line class is limited to
50 students. There are still seats available but don't wait too long. The
registration form can be found at https://www.arrl.org/forms/cce/ . The
Certification and Continuing Education Program has a new home page
http://www.ARRL.org/cce and a revised FAQ page
http://www.ARRL.org/cce/faq.html .
* EIMAC co-founder Jack A. McCullough, ex-W6CHE, SK: The co-founder of tube
manufacturer EIMAC, Jack A. McCullough, ex-W6CHE, of Cupertino, California,
died April 28. He was 93. An ARRL Life Member, McCullough and Bill Eitel,
W6UF (SK), paired up to start Eitel-McCullough--EIMAC--in the 1930s after
building a tube for use as a grounded-grid amplifier. A DXer and contester
in his younger years, McCullough also was a QST author in the 1930s and
1940s, writing mostly about what he knew best--high-power amplifier
tubes.--thanks to Richard Tryce, W6WVP
* Cap and badge man Dale Marquis, WA4EZU, SK: Hamfest cap and badge vendor
Dyrell "Dale" Marquis, WA4EZU, of Fairforest, South Carolina, died May 14
following an illness and hospitalization. He was 68. An ARRL member, Marquis
ran Marquis Engraving and frequently marketed his wares--caps and badges
bearing call signs or other legends--at Amateur Radio conventions and
gatherings throughout the Eastern US. Survivors include his wife, Elizabeth,
a son and three daughters. Condolences are welcome Elizabeth Marquis, PO Box
652, Fairforest, SC 29336.--thanks to Ben Marquis
* Electric bike-mobile nets DX for New Jersey ham: Operating bicycle mobile
in New Jersey, ARRL member Vincent Diak, WB2PDW, made his first SSB DX
contact, working G2BKZ on 20 meters. Diak's station, a Yaesu FT-817 running
5 W to an Outbacker Perth antenna, was installed on his Lafree electric bike
(http://www.Lafree.com). The bicycle has a battery-driven motor to assist
the rider on grades and a computer that determines when you need help.
Signals were Q5 in both directions. Diak said he supplemented the Yaesu's
internal battery with a "water bottle" battery--a battery pack made to fit
into the water-bottle holder on the bike's frame. For a closer look at
bicycle mobiling, see the Bicycle Mobile Hams of America Web site,
http://www.lafetra.com/bmha/ .
* Field Day satellite update: The QST column "Amateur Satellites and Field
Day 2001" (June QST, p 99) was not completely up-to-date concerning two
amateur satellites. ARRL Technical Specialist Kevin Manzer, AC5DK, notes
that the Russian RS-13 satellite was shut down in January, and RS-12 has
been reactivated in Mode A, although Manzer notes that, most years, it is
usually in Mode K or KA when late June rolls around. In Mode A, RS-12
uplinks at 145.910 to 145.950 MHz and downlinks from 29.410 to 29.450 MHz,
CW/SSB. The beacon is at 29.408 MHz. The latest information on RS-12 and
RS-13 can be found on the AC5DK RS-12/13 Satellite Operators page,
http://www.qsl.net/ac5dk/rs1213/rs1213.html.--Kevin Manzer, AC5DK
* "Wireless Giant of the Pacific" on the air again: Former RCA coast station
KPH, Point Reyes, California, will attempt to contact the Liberty ship SS
Jeremiah O'Brien, KXCH, on Sunday, May 20, between 1730 and 2200 UTC.
Initial contact on 500 kHz will shift to 426 kHz for KPH, and 425 kHz for
KXCH. KPH may also transmit on 6477.5 kHz. KPH will broadcast commemorative
messages and possibly a traffic list. The former KPH facilities are part of
the Point Reyes National Seashore, which has a strong interest in the
important role the station played in the history of radio communications.
The Marine Radio Historical Society Web site http://www.radiomarine.org has
more information.--Dick Dillman, W6AWO
===========================================================
The ARRL Letter is published Fridays, 50 times each year, by the American
Radio Relay League--The National Association For Amateur Radio--225 Main St,
Newington, CT 06111; tel 860-594-0200; fax 860-594-0259;
http://www.arrl.org. Jim Haynie, W5JBP, President
The ARRL Letter offers a weekly e-mail digest of essential news of interest
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==>Editorial questions or comments: Rick Lindquist, N1RL, n1rl@arrl.org
==>ARRL News on the Web: http://www.arrl.org
==>ARRL Audio News: http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/audio/ or call
860-594-0384
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